IS ULTRASOUND THERAPY EFFECTIVE IN TREATING TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA PAIN?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a nerve disorder that causes people severe facial pain. This condition is commonly caused by an intracranial artery, a venous loop, or other trauma that compresses the trigeminal neuralgia nerve. There are a variety of treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia, but one of the newer options is ultrasound therapy. This article is going to provide a brief overview of the use of ultrasound therapy in providing pain relief from trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia nerve pain can be triggered a variety of ways. Oftentimes, those who suffer from the condition can trigger a pain attack by simply chewing, brushing their teeth, or even smiling. Pain often occurs on one side of the face and can last from a few seconds to a much longer period of time. These pain attacks can be severe and even be incapacitating.
Because of the extreme pain that comes with trigeminal neuralgia, those with the condition generally seek pain relief. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage trigeminal neuralgia pain.
Traditional treatment methods for trigeminal neuralgia include medication and surgery. Anticonvulsants, antispasmodic agents, and painkillers are often prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia. While these medications may work, the dosages generally need to continuously be increased in order to keep up with the necessary pain relief. This can lead to unwanted side effects and even sometimes addiction.
Another option for pain relief is surgery. There are multiple surgical procedures that focus on the trigeminal nerve and can provide relief from pain. However, all surgical procedures come with risks and a recovery time.
These setbacks are often why people choose ultrasound therapy for trigeminal neuralgia relief. Ultrasound therapy emits low-intensity waves on a focused area, which in this case would be the areas of pain in the face. By using ultrasound therapy, patients can reduce pain and help nerve recovery. Opting for ultrasound therapy allows for the reduction of medication use and negative side effects that often company that medication. Some studies show that when using ultrasound therapy devices, the ultrasound waves can reach the root of the trigeminal nerve to promote healing of the nerve origin. So this not only helps manage pain but could possibly address the main cause of the pain in the first place.
About 59% of people who suffer from chronic pain report that their pain has a negative impact on their overall enjoyment of life. With that being said, it’s important for those who suffer from trigeminal neuralgia to seek treatment. Unlike medication and surgery, ultrasound can provide a simple, side-effect-free pain relief option that can help manage pain and get users back to enjoying life to the fullest.